How to Sell a Burial Plot

Some people own part of a family burial plot while others purchase a plot in advance to prepare for the future. In spite of these preparations, life changes such as divorce, family disputes, relocation, a change in religious beliefs, or simple changes in mortuary preferences can make a previously purchased plot undesirable. In these cases, knowing how to sell a burial plot may be necessary. Learning how to sell a burial plot can help you take an active role in the process and ensure the rapid sale of an unwanted burial plot.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Determining if You Can Sell a Plot

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1
Check your state's laws. The laws governing a burial plot's sale or transfer vary greatly from one municipality to the next. Burial plot brokerages often go unregulated in the United States, but some states' comptrollers offices regulate cemeteries and the transfer of plots.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Some states require that an individual selling his burial plot must first offer to sell the plot back to the cemetery before a private sale or brokerage can take place.^{[2]XResearch source} Contact your city's comptroller office, or search online for burial plot sales laws in your area.
2
Know your cemetery's status. Even in places with existing laws that cover burial plot sales, there may be specific requirements that depend on the specific cemetery in question. For example, in New York, burial plots are supposed to be sold or transferred by the cemetery that houses those plots. However, cemeteries owned by religious institutions are considered outside the laws that govern not-for-profit cemeteries, and such sales or transfers are perfectly legal.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Even if the law permits burial plot sales in your state, and the cemetery qualifies for such a sale, it's still best to confirm that the cemetery will honor such a transfer of ownership.^{[4]XResearch source}
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3
Check your local market. Assuming that your state, town, and cemetery all permit the transfer of ownership for burial plots, you may still have a hard time selling yours. Many people shy away from buying burial plots "second hand," while other places have an over-flooded market of people trying to sell their plots.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Search for burial plots online, and see if there are a lot of existing advertisements. You should also check the dates on those advertisements to determine whether they tend to have a fast turnaround time.
- Where you live is the biggest factor in determining how successful your sale will be. Burial plots tend to sell the fastest, and net the most money, in places where people move to retire. In the United States, that means retirement destinations like Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas are often hot markets.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selling Back to the Cemetery

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1
Identify the cemetery's sexton. The sexton, or manager, is in charge of overseeing many transactions and arrangements for burial plots in the cemetery. The first step in arranging a cemetery buy-back is to identify who your cemetery's sexton is.
- Search the cemetery's website for a directory or contact information. The website should list who the manager or sexton is.
- If you cannot determine who the sexton is using the cemetery's website, you can try visiting the cemetery's main office in person.
2
Inquire about buybacks. It may feel awkward to ask a cemetery employee about buying back your plot, but it happens quite often and is nothing to be embarrassed about. Not all cemeteries will engage in buybacks, but many do. If your cemetery offers buybacks, the sexton/manager will be the best person to speak with.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Generally speaking, cemeteries are not obligated to engage in a buyback. However, many cemeteries will buy unused plots back, or at least recognize an outside sale.^{[8]XResearch source}
If the cemetery offers buybacks, the sexton/manager will most likely be the person to make the arrangements. In completing the transaction, the sexton will most likely consider how much you paid for the plot, how much it will be worth on the market today if sold to a new buyer, and arrive at a financial offer for you.^{[9]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Selling a Plot Online

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1
Choose an advertising service. There are many options for selling a burial plot online. You can use a specialized service, such as Grave Solutions or Plot Brokers, or place your own ad on free websites like Craigslist and Ebay.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Placing your own ad can be advantageous, as there are no fees or costs to the seller.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Working through a brokerage service can also be advantageous, as they take much of the work out of selling your plot. Brokerage services typically charge either a monthly advertising fee, a percentage of the final transaction, or a combination of the two.^{[12]XResearch source}
It may sound a bit strange, but photographs can be an important factor in a buyer's decision. Many burial plot listings feature descriptions paired with photographs so that prospective buyers can get a comprehensive understanding of the plot before they decide to purchase it.^{[13]XResearch source} Some people want a plot that is in a shaded area, for example, while others may worry about whether or not the plot location is prone to flooding.
Your ad should clearly state the name of the cemetery, as well as the section, plot, and grave number.^{[14]XResearch source} You should include photographs, if you have any, and a thorough description of what a seller can expect from your burial plot. The advertisement should also include your asking price for the plot, though many sellers end up offering some room for negotiation.^{[15]XResearch source}
It's best to bring in a lawyer to help with the paperwork, as there will be a great deal of variance from one county, state, or country to another. Different municipalities have different requirements. Generally speaking, the paperwork you use to complete the sale should specify the location of the burial plot and a clear transfer of ownership. You may wish to secure a signature from a cemetery representative as well, so that the buyer feels comfortable with the purchase he is making.

Community Q&A

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Question
Can a simple sales receipt that has been notarized work with burial plots?
Danny Vela
Community Answer
As proof of ownership? No. At time of need, they will require proof of transfer. It has to be deeded to the new buyer.
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Question
The cemetery said they would only purchase my plot at the original purchase price. Is this normal?
Danny Vela
Community Answer
Cemeteries can buy back if they want and they set the prices. You are better off selling it through a third party source. (Craigslist, for example). To sell a plot, you need to write the ad in a very unique and appealing way. Usually people don't react to cemetery ads.
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Question
How do I know what a lot is worth?
Danny Vela
Community Answer
Easy, call the cemetery and ask for the price, they are obligated to give you that. Cemeteries usually have a discount every month. For example, if a plot is being sold for $10,000 you could get a discount of 10 to 20% depending on the incentive for the month. That means the plot is being sold for around 8-9K. Keep in mind that cemeteries give benefits and payment plans, so you might want to sell for less than that. You can probably sell it for 5-6k.
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